Installing the Domino ALC is a relatively simple process. The backplates arrive with double stick tape attached for making installation easier. They also serve to provide a buffer between the backplate and the motherboard to prevent an electrical short. Installing the waterblock is as simple as screwing it down. Then, simply pull the fan plugs through the case and you're all done. All of the power for the unit is delivered through a single motherboard (3-pin) fan connector.

As simple as the installation for the Domino ALC is, there ain't no such thing as a free lunch, as it were. Above you can see how closely the radiator and pump sit to my top expansion slot. The radiator is almost touching the video card (if not touching), which blocks the use of Crossfire bridges and introduces the possibility of an electrical short. If the tubing input/output for the radiator were at the top, rather than the bottom, which would have made bleeding the loop easier for CoolIT, this probably wouldn't have been a problem.

All testing of the Domino ALC occurred at an ambient temperature of 23C, with all five case fans at high (3x120mm front intake, 2x120mm rear exhaust all ~2000RPM). CPU load was created with OCCT, and temperatures monitored with Everest Ultimate. Idle situations consisted of a blank Windows desktop measured 30 minutes after a load test to ensure that coolant temperature was not still rising. Only the highest CPU core temperature is shown. For comparison, results from the Thermaltake ProWater 850i liquid cooling kit and the NorthQ NQ-3360A are included (at high fan speeds).

Performance from the Domino ALC isn't shockingly good, but it still ranks very well among air coolers. Continue on for some conclusions…